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The Unsung Hero. And The Playahs’ Playah. Just The Way It Should Be.

We are assuming, Gentle Reader, that you are getting around to reading tonight’s post a bit late, after all the parades and banquets you were probably throwing today. Because you were having parades and banquets in Pando’s honor, right? That’s right — for those of you who are (criminally) not members of PandoNation, the big news out of the Devils organization is that Pando was voted, by secret player ballot, the Devils’ Unsung Hero and Players’ Player. For the third straight year. And it’s the fifth time in his career that he was voted Unsung Hero. FIFTH! How unsung a hero do you have to be to be Unsung Hero five times? Any other player getting that award five times would count as being “sung”. But not Pando. And seriously, watch the videos in that link of Pando’s acceptance speeches — he spent his Unsung Hero speech trying to pass the award off to Kevin Weekes! In all the history of Unsung Heroes, there had never been one more spectacularly suited for the title than Jay Pandolfo. He is the unsung hero’s unsung hero.

Oh yeah, and he is the playahs’ playah’s playahs’ playah (no, that will never get tired). So while Marty may have won the team’s MVP award, Pando got two awards, which makes him twice as good. Or something.

The thing that surprises us the most about this whole story (which is, admittedly, pretty unsurprising, consider those guys win those awards every year), is that the Devils managed a functional secret ballot vote. After everything we heard about Mike Rupp’s anonymous suggestion box for pregame warmups input, we’re stunned that “Nice haircut, asshole” didn’t win one of those prizes. We also find ourselves wondering whether the players campaign in the weeks leading up to the vote. Does Marty give everyone big-screen TVs? Does Pando win votes for just being cool? Was Zach totally Tracy Flick? Wait, don’t answer that.

181 Responses to “The Unsung Hero. And The Playahs’ Playah. Just The Way It Should Be.”

  1. on March 18, 2008 at 8:55 pm Bethanie

    I love Pando. That’s all there is to it.

    The Zach/Traci Flick comparison made me burst out laughing, causing me to spill a liquid substance all over my desk, which them elicited a disgusted look from my boyfriend.

    It’s too bad he doesn’t appreciate the Devils like we do. Maybe I’d like him better. (Totally kidding about the “liking him better” part. I like my man just fine.)


  2. on March 18, 2008 at 8:59 pm Schnookie

    Pookie totally came up with the Tracy Flick comparison and I pretty much responded the same way you did, Bethanie!

    I would probably like your boyfriend better if he liked the Devils more, too. :P (Just kidding! I’m sure he’s a wonderful guy. He just has a lot to learn. :D)

    And really, how could anyone NOT love Pando? He’s the bomb. Or, for some of us, the emperor/god.


  3. on March 18, 2008 at 9:01 pm KG

    Pando deserved every award he’s ever gotten. I personally think they should name the Unsung hero award after him instead of calling it the Unsung Hero award. :p

    But I have a feeling Zach was definitely campaigning for an award and probably broke down in tears after the award ceremony was over and he was away from everyone.


  4. on March 18, 2008 at 9:02 pm Bethanie

    Pando is greater than God, unless you’re super religious.

    My boyfriend hasn’t understood my love for the Devils. This is like, way back in high school. Back in ‘03, he even had the audacity to wear a Rangers jersey to my house to watch the Finals. The boy is a little screwed in the head.

    I realized I spelled Tracy with an “i” because that’s how my friend spelled it. But I think that is one of the greatest things I’ve heard. You girls are smart.


  5. on March 18, 2008 at 9:04 pm Patty (in Dallas)

    After everything we heard about Mike Rupp’s anonymous suggestion box for pregame warmups input, we’re stunned that “Nice haircut, asshole” didn’t win one of those prizes.

    :^::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
    :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


  6. on March 18, 2008 at 9:05 pm Pookie

    I personally think they should name the Unsung hero award after him

    I said the same thing!

    But I have a feeling Zach was definitely campaigning for an award

    After we posted this, we realized that if Zach was campaigning with Tracy Flick-style cupcakes, he’d get tons of votes from Pauile, Rupper and Larry. Hee!

    he even had the audacity to wear a Rangers jersey to my house to watch the Finals

    WTF? Bethanie’s boyfriend, come here for a second. ARE YOU DAFT?!?

    :) Just kidding! I’m sure he’s a great guy!


  7. on March 18, 2008 at 9:06 pm Schnookie

    But I have a feeling Zach was definitely campaigning for an award and probably broke down in tears after the award ceremony was over and he was away from everyone.

    HA! You’re giving him more credit that I was! While watching the introductions to the awards on all those videos, I was totally picturing Zach sitting off camera, puffing up and trying to look like he was feigning modesty, and then just collapsing in disappointment when the other guys got named. Then starting all over again for the next award.

    Bethanie, I can’t believe you’re still dating a guy who would wear a Rangers sweater during the ‘03 SCF! :P (And no worries with the Tracy/i thing!)


  8. on March 18, 2008 at 9:08 pm Schnookie

    (Thanks for laughing at the “Nice haircut, asshole” thing, Patty. That totally cracked me up, too. Not that I laugh at my own jokes all the time…)


  9. on March 18, 2008 at 9:10 pm Bethanie

    The thing is, and I think I’ve mentioned this before, my family is full of Ranger fans. So I can’t even ask them to beat him up.

    It’s quite sad, actually.

    The warm-up comments box was like a mini-soap opera I could follow. It’s a shame it didn’t last a little longer. It made me like Rupper more than I already did.

    The Pando Award. I like it.


  10. on March 18, 2008 at 9:11 pm Bethanie

    Bethanie, I can’t believe you’re still dating a guy who would wear a Rangers sweater during the ‘03 SCF! :P (And no worries with the Tracy/i thing!)

    What can I do? *sigh*


  11. on March 18, 2008 at 9:13 pm Pookie

    Bethanie, I was so pissed when the comment box thing ended! I wanted to email Gulitti and be like, “Can you just make some stuff up that we can all believe was going on?” I mean, we haven’t had fun like that since… well, since Brian Rolston and Scott Nediermayer lived together.


  12. on March 18, 2008 at 9:14 pm Schnookie

    The thing is, and I think I’ve mentioned this before, my family is full of Ranger fans. So I can’t even ask them to beat him up.

    Well, if you ever need a hand with that, I think there are more than a few people here who will help you out. :P

    And you’re so right about the comment box saga — that was one of the highlights of my season! I love Rupper for that, and more than that, I love Tom Gulitti for introducing, for the first time in my experience, a fun look inside the Devils for fans. That was AWESOME.

    I think, if they don’t officially change the “Unsung Hero” to “The Pando Trophy”, next year I’ll chain myself to the award plaque so they can’t hand it out to the winner. (Who damn well better be Pando, might I add…)


  13. on March 18, 2008 at 9:24 pm KG

    Did you guys look at the pictures from the article on the awards? There’s like a full shot of all the players on the ice sitting and Zach has his head turned to the side and is like staring intently at the guy speaking and probably thinking in his head please let me win please let me win.

    Schnookie you’re right though about Zach, I can totally picture him off camera doing all that. Poor kid. Maybe we should make an award of some sort for Zach.


  14. on March 18, 2008 at 9:26 pm Bethanie

    The Rolston/Neids thing was great. I love when little fun things come out of the locker room. It makes our team a little more lovable.

    I think Tom does an incredible job of covering the team. Who else could provide us with random tidbits like an abused comment box?

    For some reason, I still think it’s funny that Rupper was chosen to lead warm-ups.


  15. on March 18, 2008 at 9:28 pm Pookie

    The Rolston/Neids thing was great.

    Remember when Rollie said if he was a girl, Scott would be the kind of guy he’d want to bring back to his parents?

    Maybe we should make an award of some sort for Zach.

    Zach wins “Most Zach-ish”. And “Shiniest Monocle”. And “Pookie’s 2nd Favorite”. That last one is very, very coveted.


  16. on March 18, 2008 at 9:34 pm Bethanie

    Oh god. It was hysterical. Rolston was just .. out there.

    Zach deserves the “Most Animal Friendly” Award.


  17. on March 18, 2008 at 9:36 pm Schnookie

    Those pictures are SO ADORABLE! Travis is wearing Waldorf pants! (The whole “Travis is a Waldorf kid” was born out of a picture from his UND days where he was wearing the dorkiest-looking brown pants EVAH.) Paulie’s legs seem to be 5,000 miles long! Kevin Weekes is a total dreamboat! Pookie thinks Whitey is wearing Tevas with his dress pants! And Zach is SO listening to every word of the presentation as if he’s expecting to have to make an acceptance speech.


  18. on March 18, 2008 at 9:39 pm Bethanie

    There’s this one picture of Marty where I thought he was looking to god (see: Lou) and was pleading for something.

    “Oh dear Almighty Lou, please grant me some Sprite-covered doughnuts. And a better blue line.”


  19. on March 18, 2008 at 9:40 pm KG

    “Zach wins “Most Zach-ish”. And “Shiniest Monocle”. And “Pookie’s 2nd Favorite”. That last one is very, very coveted.”

    Haha I love the Most Zach-ish. And the monocle reminds me to do something. :). Lucky little Zach he’s got four awards coming his way, too bad all of his teammates will just roll their eyes and ignore him when he tries to give an acceptance speech in the locker room.


  20. on March 18, 2008 at 9:43 pm Pookie

    Lucky little Zach he’s got four awards coming his way, too bad all of his teammates will just roll their eyes and ignore him when he tries to give an acceptance speech in the locker room.

    :^::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

    Why is it that it’s just so darn easy to picture Zach doing things like giving acceptance speeches in the dressing room for fake awards?!

    By the way, did anyone happen to catch the shot of Sid Crosby in the crowd during the Rangers-Penguins game? It’s the Pens Dad’s Trip and Schnookie and I would both swear that that Sid was sitting sandwiched between his father and JP Parse. WTF? (And does this mean JP will be in the building tomorrow? If yes, then we’re so losing.)


  21. on March 18, 2008 at 9:45 pm KG

    It’s so darn easy to picture Zach doing things like that because he’s just so cute and seems silly and like he would make up fantasies in his head then try to act them out.

    Oh shit please don’t be true about JP. Love the guy but Zach has too many issues when JP’s in town.

    Oooh And I wanna see this picture of Travis from his UND days, anyone know where I can find it?


  22. on March 18, 2008 at 9:49 pm Bethanie

    Oh fuck. We’re definitely losing. I could see why JP would be there though. The Shattuck Connection.


  23. on March 18, 2008 at 9:56 pm Pookie

    I could see why JP would be there though. The Shattuck Connection.

    Yeah, but still! It’s wrong! I think JP is trying to turn Sid into his newer better son now that Jordy can’t play hockey again this year.

    KG, Schnookie and I are trying to find the picture! It’s proving hard to find!


  24. on March 18, 2008 at 9:56 pm Katebits

    Was Zach totally Tracy Flick? Wait, don’t answer that.

    :^::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

    Poor Zach!

    I bet that Boxworthy had a big “World’s Greatest Boss” trophy made for Zach. He knows that unless he can cheer Master Zach up he’s in for a long week of unnecessary chores and temper tantrums.


  25. on March 18, 2008 at 9:58 pm Bethanie

    Yeah, but still! It’s wrong! I think JP is trying to turn Sid into his newer better son now that Jordy can’t play hockey again this year.

    That is just plain wrong. The older Parise knows he can’t live up to his younger brother’s awesomeness. Now he has to compete with the second coming of Gretzky? That’s harsh.


  26. on March 18, 2008 at 10:08 pm Pookie

    He knows that unless he can cheer Master Zach up he’s in for a long week of unnecessary chores and temper tantrums.

    Totally! I suggested that Zach took a wrong turn this afternoon after the ceremony and opened a storage closet by mistake and out came a shower of all the apples he’d given the guys to give Coach. He’d be forcing Boxworthy to polish them all (even the rotting, disgusting ones) if it hadn’t been for that “Word’s Greatest Boss” trophy!

    That’s harsh.

    “Well,” says JP, “Maybe Jordy should have been better at playing hockey! Ever think of that?”


  27. on March 18, 2008 at 10:09 pm Schnookie

    KG, we found it! Of course, we can’t find the source of the picture, so for the sake of appropriately credentialing, we think it came from siouxsports.com. Anyway, behold:

    WALDORF TRAVIS

    Those are REALLY dorky pants. And REALLY skinny thighs.

    Katebits, I bet Boxworthy did make a “World’s Greatest Boss” trophy, and Zach adorably lit up while in the throes of his sobbing about missing out on Devils awards. He sniffled through his acceptance speech, but couldn’t help but beam through his tears. There’s nothing like a trophy to make Zach’s day better. No wait, not a trophy — it was a “World’s Greatest Boss”-engraved plastic star.


  28. on March 18, 2008 at 10:09 pm Pookie

    Hey Katebits, know what I love best about your avatar? It’s retroactive to all your previous comments. I was rereading a post from this summer and there was Crunchy in a shower cap. It was like Future Crunchy had gone back in time to bring joy to the prior off-season.


  29. on March 18, 2008 at 10:12 pm Schnookie

    It was like Future Crunchy had gone back in time to bring joy to the prior off-season.

    Crunchy’s all about spreading joy far and wide. If that means he has to go back in time, so be it.


  30. on March 18, 2008 at 10:16 pm Katebits

    It was like Future Crunchy had gone back in time to bring joy to the prior off-season.

    Crunchy’s all about spreading joy far and wide. If that means he has to go back in time, so be it.

    :^::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
    :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
    :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
    :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

    I can’t tell you how much comfort Crunchy in his shower cap has provided me. I seriously don’t know where I would be without it; probably whoring on the streets.


  31. on March 18, 2008 at 10:25 pm Schnookie

    probably whoring on the streets.

    While being a bag lady, of course.


  32. on March 18, 2008 at 10:27 pm Katebits

    Yes, a homeless bag whore lady. That’s what I’d be without Crunchy in his shower cap.


  33. on March 18, 2008 at 10:30 pm Schnookie

    That’s a powerful shower cap Crunchy’s got there.

    If you know what I mean.


  34. on March 18, 2008 at 11:01 pm KG

    Awwwwwww I love the pic of Travis. Thanks for finding it guys. I like his hair but not so much the skinny legs. And yes I agree those are dorky pants. But that’s okay he’s adorable anyway. :p


  35. on March 18, 2008 at 11:04 pm KG

    That picture of Travis signing something for a little kid reminds me of this.

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/22759995@N00/353546020/

    Those Devils are so sweet.


  36. on March 18, 2008 at 11:07 pm Patty (in Dallas)

    “Oh dear Almighty Lou, please grant me some Sprite-covered doughnuts. And a better blue line.”

    :^:::::::::::::::::::::


  37. on March 18, 2008 at 11:12 pm Schnookie

    Awww, KG, look at the little kid in his little-kid underarmour! He’s so tiny! Zach loves giving autographs to little kids. Because he likes being the subject of hero worship. :P

    That scrawny, baby Travis picture cracks me up. He’s such a scrawny scrawnster! No wonder he didn’t get drafted into the WHL! He was, like, 98 pounds!


  38. on March 18, 2008 at 11:17 pm KG

    Zach also looks like he’s got a pretty good tan going on in that pic. Of course he likes being the subject of hero worship from little kids, Boxworthy can still sway youngster’s minds.

    Probably didn’t help little Travis out that he was 6′2″. But at least now he’s 200 pounds, that’s got to be all muscle…Right? Right? I hope it is. He’s so cute :p


  39. on March 18, 2008 at 11:17 pm humminggiraffe

    That child is adorable! I might consider having one if mine looked like that.

    I love blogging y’all! I just had the worst day ever. I’m totally sick, and I had to write a history paper, then I ended up losing half of it randomly, somewhere in my computer. So I had to rewrite it. But then I went to check my blog and I had new comments and they were all sweet and friendly and it cheered me right up!

    Hooray for Pando. He is an unsung hero stud. Other unsung heroes only wish to be as unsung as Pando.


  40. on March 18, 2008 at 11:18 pm Schnookie

    But at least now he’s 200 pounds, that’s got to be all muscle…Right? Right? I hope it is.

    He’s like, “Nah, it’s all spare tire.”

    Zach doesn’t look as meticulously shorn in that autograph picture. I can’t believe he let his hair get so shaggy, and then let someone take a picture of it!


  41. on March 18, 2008 at 11:20 pm Schnookie

    But then I went to check my blog and I had new comments and they were all sweet and friendly and it cheered me right up!

    alix, that’s awesome! (And deserved!) I’m sorry you’ve had such a craptacular day, but having nice comments definitely brings the sunshine. :P (And what’s all this about being sick? You need to get better!)

    Other unsung heroes only wish to be as unsung as Pando.

    When Pando looks in his magic mirror every day, he says, “Mirrah, mirrah on the wall, who’s the unsungest of them awl?” He’s so vain.


  42. on March 18, 2008 at 11:23 pm Patty (in Dallas)

    Sorry to hear you’re sick, alix! Want some coloring books? And a Sprite? Make you feel better!


  43. on March 18, 2008 at 11:24 pm KG

    Zach probably didn’t realize it was being taken until after and then tried to convince the person taking it to delete the picture but he didn’t have any luck.

    Travis you gotta get some sexy muscles for us! I’ll worship you if you do. :)


  44. on March 18, 2008 at 11:27 pm alix

    Thanks, Schnookie! I haven’t been sick in forever, but I guess my body picked the worst possible time to get sick. Boo.

    “When Pando looks in his magic mirror every day, he says, “Mirrah, mirrah on the wall, who’s the unsungest of them awl?” He’s so vain.”

    HEE! But only about his unsungest.

    Thanks, Patty! I would love some colouring books and a Sprite. You’re so sweet.


  45. on March 18, 2008 at 11:27 pm Pookie

    alix, I hope you feel better soon and that your computer doesn’t ever spazz out on you again for the rest of your tenure at college! And yay for new commenters!

    That picture of Zach has always frightened me because of the sheen of that baseball hat. I bet Zach has Boxworthy polish it.


  46. on March 18, 2008 at 11:34 pm alix

    Thanks, Pookie!

    HA! You know Zach totally does.

    YAY! The Lames tanked tonight so we move into 6th! And we don’t have play the scary Sharks in the first round anymore. Score board watching is crazy but fun.


  47. on March 18, 2008 at 11:39 pm KG

    Dammit stupid Coyotes! I want to go to a playoff game this year! That means you have to actually try to win! Put Bryzgalov in!

    Pookie don’t be frightened of Zach. He needs followers and worshipers.


  48. on March 18, 2008 at 11:41 pm KG

    Okay now I quit.


  49. on March 18, 2008 at 11:41 pm Frisby

    Oh man, I love how Larry Robinson says, “I don’t think the winner of this award deserves it” with such a straight face. He doesn’t crack a smirk or anything. In fact, I think he was being totally serious, either that or the Devils have really killed him.


  50. on March 18, 2008 at 11:47 pm Schnookie

    In fact, I think he was being totally serious, either that or the Devils have really killed him.

    Yeah, Larry is totally hollow inside now. They’ve completely beaten him. That was the nicest speech he could make. His other option was to monotone, “Fine. You all win. I give up.” He figured it was neither the time nor the place for that. :P

    And I’m sorry about the playoffs, KG. Next year, right?


  51. on March 18, 2008 at 11:49 pm Pookie

    Pookie don’t be frightened of Zach. He needs followers and worshipers.

    Riiiiiight!

    I’m so sorry about the Coytoes. The team really made big strides in the right direction this year, though, right?

    the Devils have really killed him.

    No question. None. :)


  52. on March 18, 2008 at 11:55 pm KG

    Ha no way. The Coyotes will never make the playoffs ever again. They miss Teppo too much.

    Pookie I was just reading Zach’s favorite team was Detroit growing up…He’s such a weird kid, he lived in Minnesota for crying out loud.


  53. on March 19, 2008 at 12:08 am Schnookie

    He’s such a weird kid, he lived in Minnesota for crying out loud.

    Zach wasn’t big into the whole “Gopher Brainwashing” thing. :P (And he was also, apparently, quite the little bandwagon fan. Tsk tsk, Zach. Way to totally lack any kind of integrity or moral fiber. Heh.)


  54. on March 19, 2008 at 1:16 am Steve (In Fairfax)

    I think Pando needs a song. That way he can be a sung player. That sounds like a job for….(dramatic music) PANDO NATION!!!!!


  55. on March 19, 2008 at 7:11 am Meg

    (And does this mean JP will be in the building tomorrow? If yes, then we’re so losing.)

    You can’t lose! You can’t! The Devils must win.

    The Coyotes will never make the playoffs ever again. They miss Teppo too much.

    Aww, Teppo.

    There seem to be some Sabres fans who think that Teppo wouldn’t help the team after nearly a year off and open heart surgery. I think they, uh, haven’t looked at our blue line lately. Or think the Sabres are so good that they can afford three rookie defensemen making rookie mistakes at the same time for more than a few games. Or think that our rookie defensemen aren’t going to make rookie mistakes. I’m not sure which is more delusional.


  56. on March 19, 2008 at 8:41 am Amy

    I think its awesome that the Devils had a little ceremony to give out their player awards. The Sabres awards are usually just handed out in the locker room and then there’s a blurb about it in the paper the next day.

    And Zach is SO listening to every word of the presentation as if he’s expecting to have to make an acceptance speech.

    His speech would probably consist of him going all Sally Field and breaking out the “you love me, you really love me,” with Marty having to drag him away from the mic.

    There seem to be some Sabres fans who think that Teppo wouldn’t help the team after nearly a year off and open heart surgery.

    Teppo wants to play. If Teppo’s cleared to play, let Teppo play. And if the Baby D think that their job with the Sabres is in jeopardy because of Teppo, they just might play harder.


  57. on March 19, 2008 at 9:13 am Schnookie

    I think Pando needs a song. That way he can be a sung player. That sounds like a job for….(dramatic music) PANDO NATION!!!!!

    HAHAHAHAHA!!! Steve, that’s fantastic! Of course, maybe PandoNation doesn’t want its emperor/god to be “sung”… Maybe we realize without being unsung, Pando wouldn’t ever get any awards. :P

    Amy, Zach would SO Sally Field his acceptance speech. Really, it’s a bit scary how clearly I can see that. Heh. And I think it’s totally awesome that the team awards are such a big deal for the Devils. I think it’s tied into the Fan Club in some way, but I’ve been willfully ignorant of most things “Devils Fan Club” for the last 13 years. They’re the largest Official Fan Club in the NHL, and I’ve been under the impression that the awards presentation is at a Fan Club function (correct me if I’m wrong, Devils fans who actually know anything about this).

    You can’t lose! You can’t! The Devils must win.

    From your mouth to their ears, Meg. :D


  58. on March 19, 2008 at 10:15 am Amy

    I’ve been under the impression that the awards presentation is at a Fan Club function

    That makes sense, otherwise the team is just sitting there in front of an empty arena.


  59. on March 19, 2008 at 10:23 am Pookie

    That makes sense, otherwise the team is just sitting there in front of an empty arena.

    And Lord knows the Devils never like to do anything in front of an empty arena! Hardy-har! (Sorry, I figured I’d say that so no non-Devil fan felt the need to say it. andrew.)

    But yes, the team awards are given out at the Gold Circle Ticket Holders Annual Luncheon or something.


  60. on March 19, 2008 at 10:32 am Dayna

    Hey ladies,
    I just realized that in my Pronger rage I put up a link to you guys without asking, would you like me to take it down? I don’t like to link without permission… sorry.


  61. on March 19, 2008 at 10:42 am Pookie

    Dayna, it’s no problem at all! You don’t have to ask us to link to us! We love getting links!

    (All we ask is that if you [and by "you" in mean people in general, not "you - Dayna"] abide by our copyright notice and give credit where credit is due for any opinions or ideas you might glean from what we write here.)


  62. on March 19, 2008 at 10:46 am Schnookie

    Dayna, thanks so much for the link! I love getting links! I’m a total link whore, actually. Is there any topic anyone here would like us to write about, so you can link to us about it later? :D


  63. on March 19, 2008 at 10:54 am Mags

    Dayna, I never tell you guys when I link you and I do it all the time. Mostly in emails in a sort of “look what the -ookies wrote! I wish I thought of that” kind of way (And “dad, they’re really not crazy! Please let me go to Ottawa!” He’s still not convinced). My mom keeps telling me she reads more IPB than IBRWAB :P (I need a shorter blog-name…)


  64. on March 19, 2008 at 10:58 am Mags

    (Dayna, the point of that comment was to illustrate that you have better netiquette than I do. *sigh* Now that I’ve re-read it I don’t even make sense to myself there *headdesk*)


  65. on March 19, 2008 at 10:59 am Amy

    And “dad, they’re really not crazy! Please let me go to Ottawa!” He’s still not convinced

    You can tell your father that Katebits, Heather and I have all met the Ookies in person and we all survived the encounter.


  66. on March 19, 2008 at 11:04 am Caitlin

    And “dad, they’re really not crazy! Please let me go to Ottawa!” He’s still not convinced

    Hey, Mags’ dad, we’re really not crazy! (Sadly, I can’t go to Ottawa….)


  67. on March 19, 2008 at 11:05 am Mags

    You can tell your father that Katebits, Heather and I have all met the Ookies in person and we all survived the encounter.

    I am linking him to this comment right now (please papa!)

    (-ookies, sorry for turning this into my beg-dad-to-let-me-go-to-the-potted-plant-cotillion thread. I’ll stop now)


  68. on March 19, 2008 at 11:12 am Pookie

    Aw man! Bill Simmon’s isn’t doing a March Madness diary with his buddies! That sucks. I keep forgetting to read SG (I try to pretend it’s because I don’t want to read spoilers for “The Wire Season 5″ but really it’s because I’ve pretty much forgotten ESPN exists in any form other than PTI — that’s one thing I’ll thank for Versus for!) but I’ve been looking forward to his March Madness diaries for a year!


  69. on March 19, 2008 at 11:31 am Schnookie

    No March Madness diaries? What do I have to live for????


  70. on March 19, 2008 at 11:40 am Pookie

    Turns out he’s going to a bunch of the first round games. So maybe there will be a diary later in the tourney? Sports Gal made it sound like the group of friends wasn’t coming over at all.


  71. on March 19, 2008 at 11:40 am Amy

    No March Madness diaries? What do I have to live for????

    The Devils?


  72. on March 19, 2008 at 11:42 am Schnookie

    Bummer.

    I’m taking a training session online right now for a timesheet-esque program we have. The following was ACTUALLY said in this training:

    “You have to put in 100%. If you want to be 100% compliant you can’t have less than 100%.”

    I nearly DIED. Someone then asked, “What’s 100%?” I so wanted to pipe up, “If 80% of us give 80% but 20% of us give 120%, is that still 100%?”


  73. on March 19, 2008 at 11:42 am Schnookie

    The Devils?

    Please, Amy. The Devils don’t give me something to do while I’m at work! :P


  74. on March 19, 2008 at 11:43 am Mags

    You have to put in 100%. If you want to be 100% compliant you can’t have less than 100%.

    :^:::::::::::::::::::::::::::


  75. on March 19, 2008 at 11:44 am Pookie

    “You have to put in 100%. If you want to be 100% compliant you can’t have less than 100%.”

    That’s 100% awesome!

    0% awesome? The fact that the lack fo SG March Madness diaries led me to Bucci’s column. His “analysis” of the Pronger situation might be his most insipidly awful work yet.


  76. on March 19, 2008 at 11:44 am Mags

    The Devils don’t give me something to do while I’m at work! :P

    I bet if you asked, Zach would totally find a way. He seems so eager to please. And Paulie would undoubtedly be willing to send you some of his awesome brownies :D


  77. on March 19, 2008 at 11:45 am Schnookie

    His “analysis” of the Pronger situation might be his most insipidly awful work yet.

    Oh dear. Dare I ask?


  78. on March 19, 2008 at 11:45 am alix

    Mason Raymond is out for 4 weeks! :( I guess he’ll have lots of time to sing in front of Vern Fiddler in the off camera Police Blues band.

    “I nearly DIED. Someone then asked, “What’s 100%?” I so wanted to pipe up, “If 80% of us give 80% but 20% of us give 120%, is that still 100%?”

    HEE! I love that ad.


  79. on March 19, 2008 at 11:48 am Schnookie

    I guess he’ll have lots of time to sing in front of Vern Fiddler in the off camera Police Blues band.

    Oh no! While that’s great news for the off-camera Police Blues band (and really, with a name like Mason Raymond, he’s supposed to be injured and unavailable for screen time…), that’s terrible for the Canucks. I’m so sorry, alix!


  80. on March 19, 2008 at 11:49 am Mags

    “If 80% of us give 80% but 20% of us give 120%, is that still 100%?”

    Dad just pointed out that it wouldn’t be. 20% would have to give 180% for it to be 100%. But that is really isn’t relevant :P


  81. on March 19, 2008 at 11:51 am Amy

    Schnookie, Bucci’s article contains this gem:

    Kesler “asked” for it by “pinning” Pronger’s foot to the ice, but Pronger should have just wriggled himself free. I GUARANTEE that was the first time I have EVER typed the word “wriggle.”

    He also says that Pronger!Stomp was more dangerous than Simon!Stomp because Pronger had a better chance of hitting exposed leg, while Simon just hit the skate.


  82. on March 19, 2008 at 11:51 am alix

    “that’s terrible for the Canucks. I’m so sorry, alix!”

    Thanks, Schnookie. I swear a Canuck kicked a puppy last summer or something, they must have bad karma. The injuries this year are out of control.


  83. on March 19, 2008 at 11:54 am Schnookie

    Thanks, Amy! I just glanced at his column, and I love how he says stomping in reprehensible, and should be sternly punished to keep impressionable kids from thinking it’s okay… but Pronger and Simon should each only have gotten 1-3 games. I don’t understand Bucci at all.


  84. on March 19, 2008 at 11:55 am alix

    “Kesler “asked” for it by “pinning” Pronger’s foot”

    AHH!!! That’s what Greg said too in the NHL closer (who by the way I am definitely NOT gregbunnying over anymore). Kes can be a punk, but he does not deserve to be stomped on. Why didn’t Pronger just hit him against the boards later or something?


  85. on March 19, 2008 at 11:56 am Mags

    He also says that Pronger!Stomp was more dangerous than Simon!Stomp because Pronger had a better chance of hitting exposed leg, while Simon just hit the skate.

    BS. If Simon had aimed better he’d have had Ruutu’s achilles tendon. Granted, a calf laceration is nothing to sneeze at either (I’m sure Bieksa would tell us), slicing up a tendon is potentially worse because of the recovery time.


  86. on March 19, 2008 at 11:59 am Amy

    slicing up a tendon is potentially worse because of the recovery time.

    That honking sound you hear is Paul Gaustad agreeing with you. He was out for several months with a cut tendon.


  87. on March 19, 2008 at 12:09 pm Mags

    I’m glad Goose agrees with me. (He was in my dream this morning. Him and Pommers. And they spoke, like, English. It was bizarre)


  88. on March 19, 2008 at 1:03 pm Amy

    He was in my dream this morning. Him and Pommers. And they spoke, like, English. It was bizarre

    That cancels out the dream I had the other night that Jordy had been released from the Devils. Not sure why I was dreaming about that, but it was bizarre.

    And I’m kind of amused by ESPN’s writeup of the Pens Dads trip. Papa Staal completely ignored Marc while they were in NYC, even though March was only a few blocks away. They didn’t see each other until after the game.


  89. on March 19, 2008 at 1:15 pm Pookie

    Amy, I think you’re proof our brainwashing techniques are working! I’m not sure I’ve ever had a dream about Jordy Parise! Bwah-ha-ha!

    As for the Dad’s Trip, I’m going to take Henry Staal’s snub of Marc as an idication that Henry is also a member of PaulieMartinNation and is holding Marc’s injuring of Paulie against him.


  90. on March 19, 2008 at 1:17 pm Amy

    I think you’re proof our brainwashing techniques are working! I’m not sure I’ve ever had a dream about Jordy Parise! Bwah-ha-ha!

    The funny thing was, the next morning I remembered checking ESPN and Yahoo to see if it was true.


  91. on March 19, 2008 at 1:27 pm Pookie

    Amy, that’s too funny! Those places probably wouldn’t report it anyway. Poor, poor Jordy.


  92. on March 19, 2008 at 1:38 pm Caitlin

    Bah, all this talk of Pronger is making me dread tonight’s game…even though the Ducks are Pronger-less. Hmm.


  93. on March 19, 2008 at 2:05 pm andrew

    Hello IPB! Good morning! (it’s only 11:00 here, technically morning anyway.)

    How’s everyone doing?


  94. on March 19, 2008 at 2:09 pm Meg

    I’m just sitting here being amused by Ovechkin’s Hair Cuttery endorsement deal. I mean, seriously, that’s the sample of your work that you want out there?


  95. on March 19, 2008 at 2:09 pm Mags

    Good morning Andrew!

    I’m doing as ok as I can considering the circumstances (my sister is pitching a gigantic hissy fit about her giant birthday party and presents and clothes. I think I may go deaf)


  96. on March 19, 2008 at 2:12 pm Mags

    Ovechkin’s Hair Cuttery endorsement deal.

    Seriously? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!


  97. on March 19, 2008 at 2:15 pm andrew

    “I mean, seriously, that’s the sample of your work that you want out there?”

    He does look a little too emo. He just needs a white belt and some skinny jeans and he’ll be all set.

    “Good morning Andrew!”

    Good morning to you, Mags!


  98. on March 19, 2008 at 2:15 pm Meg

    Seriously? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

    I’m not creative enough to make that up.

    Although I do think he should do dental care commercials next.


  99. on March 19, 2008 at 2:16 pm Meg

    He does look a little too emo. He just needs a white belt and some skinny jeans and he’ll be all set.

    See, I don’t even think of his hair as emo though. I think of it more as, “I cut my hair with gardening shears.”


  100. on March 19, 2008 at 2:17 pm Schnookie

    Good morning andrew! I’m feeling a bit under the weather, after being beaten down last night by the Horcoffs. WTF? I thought your guys got all their scoring out of their systems LAST week.


  101. on March 19, 2008 at 2:20 pm Caitlin

    I mean, seriously, that’s the sample of your work that you want out there?

    Haha! What’s even better is that press release they issued, I think I saw it via Kukla or Fanhouse, I can’t remember.

    . I think of it more as, “I cut my hair with gardening shears.”

    Or, “My brother and I got drunk and I let him cut my hair with craft scissors.”


  102. on March 19, 2008 at 2:21 pm Mags

    Although I do think he should do dental care commercials next.

    I’m not sure I know a regular dentist who could still do something with that mouth. Maybe an implant specialist. It’s a bit too niche-y.

    See, I don’t even think of his hair as emo though. I think of it more as, “I cut my hair with gardening shears.”

    :^::::::::::::::::::: agreed.


  103. on March 19, 2008 at 2:21 pm andrew

    “See, I don’t even think of his hair as emo though. I think of it more as, “I cut my hair with gardening shears.””

    There’s a difference?

    “I’m feeling a bit under the weather, after being beaten down last night by the Horcoffs. WTF? I thought your guys got all their scoring out of their systems LAST week.”

    Oh shit! The Horcoffs are just getting warmed up! McCrotch is getting beat! (eewwww, I gotta start reading these things before hitting submit.)


  104. on March 19, 2008 at 2:24 pm Amy

    Or, “My brother and I got drunk and I let him cut my hair with craft scissors.”

    Or, “I let a kindergarten class test out their new safety scissors on me.”

    McCrotch is getting beat!

    :^::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


  105. on March 19, 2008 at 2:24 pm andrew

    “Or, “I let a kindergarten class test out their new safety scissors on me.””

    Or, “I couldn’t find any scissors, so I cut my hair with a lighter.”


  106. on March 19, 2008 at 2:25 pm Meg

    “See, I don’t even think of his hair as emo though. I think of it more as, “I cut my hair with gardening shears.””

    There’s a difference?

    Oh yes. Emo is rather meticulous and planned. Lots of care goes into that choppy, over-worked look.


  107. on March 19, 2008 at 2:26 pm andrew

    “Oh yes. Emo is rather meticulous and planned. Lots of care goes into that choppy, over-worked look.”

    Yeah, I know. I porbably should say that it looks very “hipster” rather than “emo”. Sound better?


  108. on March 19, 2008 at 2:26 pm Schnookie

    The Horcoffs are just getting warmed up! McCrotch is getting beat!

    :^:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

    Well played!


  109. on March 19, 2008 at 2:29 pm Meg

    Yeah, I know. I porbably should say that it looks very “hipster” rather than “emo”. Sound better?

    Judging by some of the people in my neighborhood, yeah. I’d say so. If Ovechkin just ditched the Dolce & Gabbana for obscure little designers he’d fit right in.


  110. on March 19, 2008 at 2:29 pm Amy

    I porbably should say that it looks very “hipster” rather than “emo”.

    Are you comparing Ovie’s hair to Crunchy’s?


  111. on March 19, 2008 at 2:34 pm andrew

    “Are you comparing Ovie’s hair to Crunchy’s?”

    I don’t know…something tells me I don’t pay as much attention to the players’ hair as you guys!

    I know Miller is straight up hipster, but his hair seems more “David Spade” than anything. I don’t know, I’m out of my element here.


  112. on March 19, 2008 at 2:37 pm Mags

    I porbably should say that it looks very “hipster” rather than “emo”.

    Are you comparing Ovie’s hair to Crunchy’s?

    I’d say Crunchy’s hair is more “indy chic” than hipster. It goes with his thin-ness and guitar playing.


  113. on March 19, 2008 at 2:39 pm Caitlin

    Or, “I couldn’t find any scissors, so I cut my hair with a lighter.”

    Why can I see Ovechkin doing this, for real?


  114. on March 19, 2008 at 2:40 pm Amy

    Or, “I couldn’t find any scissors, so I cut my hair with a lighter.”

    Why can I see Ovechkin doing this, for real?

    Only as long as he doesn’t have product in his hair. Otherwise, he could get a little crispy.


  115. on March 19, 2008 at 2:43 pm Mags

    Only as long as he doesn’t have product in his hair. Otherwise, he could get a little crispy.

    He doesn’t look like he uses much product, so I suspect that wouldn’t really be a problem. Singe away, OV!


  116. on March 19, 2008 at 2:44 pm Caitlin

    Only as long as he doesn’t have product in his hair. Otherwise, he could get a little crispy.

    Speaking from experience, yes, bad things happen when flame comes in contact with your hair with a lot of product in it.

    Well, I mean, it’s bad when flame comes in contact with your hair, period.


  117. on March 19, 2008 at 2:47 pm andrew

    “Well, I mean, it’s bad when flame comes in contact with your hair, period.”

    Rule number 1: no matches near the hair. Got it.

    So you guys would have been proud of me yesterday. Primarily becuase of the great things I’ve read about it here, I went and bought Guiter Hero. Played a little bit yesterday, It’s very foolish but very fun. I think it’s gonna be a hit.


  118. on March 19, 2008 at 2:51 pm Schnookie

    How was the birthday, andrew? Aside from buying Guitar Hero? Did you get the sweater you were expecting?


  119. on March 19, 2008 at 2:51 pm Mags

    Awesome, Andrew! And hey, did you get the sweater? Mair right?


  120. on March 19, 2008 at 2:52 pm Frisby

    To celebrate Andrew’s birthday I went to GameStop after work to buy the new Hot Shots Golf. Too bad it doesn’t come out until today.


  121. on March 19, 2008 at 2:54 pm Amy

    I think Vesa Toskala celebrated Andrew’s birthday by letting in a 200 footer. Worst goal ever!


  122. on March 19, 2008 at 2:54 pm Schnookie

    Too bad it doesn’t come out until today.

    That sounds very well-planned!


  123. on March 19, 2008 at 2:56 pm andrew

    “How was the birthday, andrew? Aside from buying Guitar Hero? Did you get the sweater you were expecting?”

    “And hey, did you get the sweater? Mair right?”

    It was great!!! I got to relax, did some record shopping, barbequed…overall, it was awesome.

    I did not get the Mair sweater! I was shocked! Tracie said that she was intimidated by all the different sweater choices online and didn’t want to mess it up by buying the wrong one. Instead she got me a real (read:professional) homebrewing set-up. It’s incredible. The stuff that I brew with now is all janky and shitty, so obviously I am super excited. I can make some serious beers now! And 5 gallons at a time instead of 2!


  124. on March 19, 2008 at 2:57 pm Mags

    I think Vesa Toskala celebrated Andrew’s birthday by letting in a 200 footer. Worst goal ever!

    I wouldn’t call it the worst goal ever, but it was definitely bad. It was awful nice of Tosky to think of Andrew though.


  125. on March 19, 2008 at 2:57 pm Schnookie

    Instead she got me a real (read:professional) homebrewing set-up. It’s incredible.

    Okay, that’s WAY better than a sweater. Seriously. How totally awesome!


  126. on March 19, 2008 at 2:58 pm andrew

    “To celebrate Andrew’s birthday I went to GameStop after work to buy the new Hot Shots Golf. Too bad it doesn’t come out until today.”

    At least the effort was there Frisby…I appreciate it.

    Know what did come out yesterday? The 20th anniversary, two disc, deluxe re-issue of Monster Squad. My all-time favorite movie from childhood. We watched it last night and it still rocks just as hard as it did when I was 9.


  127. on March 19, 2008 at 2:59 pm Mags

    Awww, poor Tracie! You should have told her to email any of the Sabres bloggers here. They’d have helped her out. Frick, I bet most of the other bloggers could have too.

    But crap, homebrewing equipment. That’s kinda a lot cooler!


  128. on March 19, 2008 at 3:00 pm andrew

    “I wouldn’t call it the worst goal ever, but it was definitely bad. It was awful nice of Tosky to think of Andrew though.”

    He was just letting me know how upset he is that I don’t watch him play anymore. It was a desparate plea for attention.

    “Okay, that’s WAY better than a sweater. Seriously. How totally awesome!”

    Yeah, it is pretty damn sweet. But I couldn’t jump right into it because now I need a bigger stock pot. Need to go buy a 5 gallon.


  129. on March 19, 2008 at 3:01 pm Caitlin

    . Instead she got me a real (read:professional) homebrewing set-up. It’s incredible.

    Oh my gosh, that is so awesome! I’m envious. You can make five gallons of beer at a time?!

    And woo for Guitar Hero! Which Guitar Hero game did you buy?


  130. on March 19, 2008 at 3:02 pm andrew

    “You should have told her to email any of the Sabres bloggers here. They’d have helped her out.”

    Good point. See I don’t think of stuff like this! Ah well, no big deal. I’ll just have to buy the sweater on my own now!


  131. on March 19, 2008 at 3:06 pm andrew

    “You can make five gallons of beer at a time?!”

    I can now! Up till now I could only get 2 gallons per batch. This will be much better, as it will likely represent my final step into real alcoholism! At least I have a wife who supports my habits.

    “And woo for Guitar Hero! Which Guitar Hero game did you buy?”

    Guitar Hero 3! (For PS2) I almost bought Wii version, but then I thought “What if I really like it and want to buy 1 and 2?” They don’t have them for the Wii, so I went with the PS2.


  132. on March 19, 2008 at 3:07 pm Patty (in Dallas)

    Congrats on Guitar Hero, andrew! And now you can have a sweater AND a nice homebrew setup.

    I myself bought Katamari and borrowed my sister’s PS2 and it’s pretty fun! I don’t have a memory card so I have to start over at the beginning every time. But it’s good practice until a friend of mine gives me his PS2 for keeps.


  133. on March 19, 2008 at 3:09 pm Mags

    This will be much better, as it will likely represent my final step into real alcoholism!

    Ummm.. yay?


  134. on March 19, 2008 at 3:09 pm Caitlin

    it will likely represent my final step into real alcoholism! At least I have a wife who supports my habits.

    Nothing says I love you like five gallons of beer, that’s for sure!

    I almost bought Wii version, but then I thought “What if I really like it and want to buy 1 and 2?” They don’t have them for the Wii, so I went with the PS2.

    Yay! You like it so far? Knights of Cydonia is the one that kills me. Well, besides Slayer. Slayer’s pretty stressful too.


  135. on March 19, 2008 at 3:09 pm Meg

    And now you can have a sweater AND a nice homebrew setup.

    It’s like getting double birthday presents. Clearly Tracie does just fine without guidance. :D


  136. on March 19, 2008 at 3:10 pm andrew

    “I don’t have a memory card so I have to start over at the beginning every time.”

    Patty, you can get a used memory card for pretty cheap now. Might be a worthwhile investment!

    (and seriously guys, sorry about all the spelling errors today. I never really proof read my comments, but usually it’s not a big deal. Apparently I’m having issues today.)


  137. on March 19, 2008 at 3:12 pm Patty (in Dallas)

    And now, I can’t get the Katamari song out of my mind. :D


  138. on March 19, 2008 at 3:12 pm andrew

    “Yay! You like it so far? Knights of Cydonia is the one that kills me. Well, besides Slayer. Slayer’s pretty stressful too.”

    I do! I was rocking out to Social D last night…able to pick up the control scheme fairly quickly.

    Haven’t played any Slayer or anything yet. I’ll have to sit down with it and put in a couple of good hours, earn some new songs.


  139. on March 19, 2008 at 3:14 pm Patty (in Dallas)

    I plan to get a card, andrew, but I’m going to wait until I get my friend’s PS2. His might already have one. My sister’s kids’ PS2 might have one that she didn’t include, or it might be there and I just don’t know how to use it. It does have something sticking out of the front.

    But I don’t want to erase my niece’s saved Dance Dance Revolution. :P


  140. on March 19, 2008 at 3:16 pm Frisby

    That sounds very well-planned!

    At least the effort was there Frisby…I appreciate it.

    Well when I went in there a few weeks ago the ‘coming soon’ sign read “Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds - March 18″
    Freaking bastards, GameStop sends me so much spam that you’d think at least one email would have told me the change of release date.


  141. on March 19, 2008 at 3:16 pm Patty (in Dallas)

    I’m such a non-video-game-player, that it took me a while to figure out all the buttons. And that I could skip through a lot of the instructions. I was, like, reading a magazine while the King was telling his story to the tiny Prince for the twentieth time. Although the first couple of times, it was hilarious.

    Then I figured out how to skip around.


  142. on March 19, 2008 at 3:20 pm Meg

    I like Guitar Hero a lot. I don’t have any video game stuff but my parents have Guitar Hero II and my father periodically gives me updates on his progress. Which is minimal because he really only likes to play video games when he has an actual person to compete with for high scores, but still kind of funny.


  143. on March 19, 2008 at 3:22 pm Frisby

    Oh, and the five gallons of beer thing, color me jealous. Mmmmmm…beer…

    *drool*


  144. on March 19, 2008 at 3:25 pm andrew

    “It does have something sticking out of the front.”

    That’s probably a memory card!

    “But I don’t want to erase my niece’s saved Dance Dance Revolution. :P”

    Don’t worry, you won’t erase it unless you actually access the memory card menu and physically erase the file. Which it sounds like you don’t really know how, so you’re safe!

    “I don’t have any video game stuff but my parents have Guitar Hero II and my father periodically gives me updates on his progress.”

    That’s so rad. My parents are terrifed of technology and probably wouldn’t play video games on a dare.


  145. on March 19, 2008 at 3:27 pm Mags

    he really only likes to play video games when he has an actual person to compete with for high scores

    My mom does that too! She calls me up and tells me she beat Dad at Wii Boxing or something. It’s awesome.


  146. on March 19, 2008 at 3:29 pm Caitlin

    my parents have Guitar Hero II and my father periodically gives me updates on his progress.

    This is so rad that your dad plays GHII. Hee! My parents think video games are a waste of time, really.

    And that I could skip through a lot of the instructions. I was, like, reading a magazine while the King was telling his story to the tiny Prince for the twentieth time.

    Ugh, some games? You can’t skip through the instructions and IT KILLS ME. Woo on having Katamari! (I’ve never played it, so there you go.)

    Haven’t played any Slayer or anything yet.

    Slayer’s in the very last series of songs. And for the record, I HATE SLASH AND I HATE HIS GUITAR BATTLE. Thank you, that is all.


  147. on March 19, 2008 at 3:36 pm andrew

    “And for the record, I HATE SLASH AND I HATE HIS GUITAR BATTLE. Thank you, that is all.”

    Oh, I’m gunning for Slash….I’m taking him down, stupid top hat and all.


  148. on March 19, 2008 at 3:42 pm Meg

    My parents think video games are a waste of time, really.

    When I was in middle school there was this Star Wars computer game that we used to play all the time. We’d intentionally use up all of our lives at the end so we could play longer and get more points in an attempt to beat the other’s record.